There’s something truly magical about Christmas Eve in my kitchen. The aroma of warm spices, the gentle hum of holiday music, and the anticipation of family gatherings always make me eager to create desserts that bring everyone together. One of my favorite festive treats is this Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie. It’s a recipe I’ve perfected over the years, and each time I make it, it feels like unwrapping a gift of comfort and joy. The creamy custard, delicately flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, fills the kitchen with a scent that instantly evokes holiday memories.
You will love this recipe because it captures the perfect balance between creamy richness and subtle spice. The custard is silky smooth, while the hint of cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the delicate vanilla flavor. Every bite melts in your mouth, making it a favorite among both children and adults. Its comforting texture and festive aroma make it a showstopper dessert that fits beautifully on any holiday table.
This pie is wonderfully versatile. You can serve it as a centerpiece dessert for Christmas Eve dinner or bring it to holiday parties. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a light drizzle of caramel sauce. Beyond the holiday season, this custard pie adapts perfectly to other occasions, from birthday celebrations to weekend family dinners.
Another reason to love this recipe is its affordability. The ingredients are simple pantry staples that are easy to source, and yet they come together to create a luxurious dessert that tastes much more sophisticated than the cost would suggest. You don’t need rare or expensive ingredients to impress your guests or create that warm, festive feeling in your home.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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1 pre-baked pie crust
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4 large eggs
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 cups whole milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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A pinch of salt
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Optional toppings: whipped cream, cinnamon dusting, or caramel drizzle
This combination of ingredients forms the foundation of a rich, creamy custard pie that will make your Christmas Eve unforgettable. Each element works harmoniously to create a dessert that is not only delicious but also inviting and festive.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Preparing this Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is easier than it seems, yet it delivers a dessert that feels indulgent and festive. The key is to follow each step carefully, ensuring the custard becomes perfectly smooth and the pie sets with a silky texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your pre-baked pie crust is ready and placed on a baking sheet to catch any spills.
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Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk them together until evenly distributed. This ensures the custard thickens evenly and the cinnamon infuses every bite.
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Mix the eggs in a separate large bowl. Beat them lightly until the yolks and whites are fully incorporated. Gradually add the sugar-cornstarch mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
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Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to steam. Do not let it boil. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. This step tempers the eggs, preventing them from curdling and creating a smooth custard.
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Add the vanilla extract to the mixture and stir gently. The vanilla enhances the custard’s flavor, giving it a warm, inviting aroma perfect for the holidays.
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Pour the custard into the pre-baked pie crust. Make sure to pour slowly, allowing the custard to settle evenly and avoid air bubbles.
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Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes. The custard should be set around the edges but slightly wobbly in the center. The residual heat will continue to firm up the filling as the pie cools.
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Cool completely at room temperature for at least an hour before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve a creamy, sliceable texture.
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Optional topping: Just before serving, lightly dust the top with ground cinnamon or add a swirl of whipped cream for a festive presentation.
Quick and Easy Tips
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You can prepare the custard mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake it the next day to save time on the holiday.
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Use pre-made pie crusts if you want to skip the step of making dough from scratch.
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For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and adjust the sugar slightly if needed.
Customizable Variations
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Add a layer of sliced apples or pears at the bottom of the crust for a fruity twist.
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Sprinkle toasted nuts on top to add a crunchy texture and nutty aroma.
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Mix a teaspoon of pumpkin spice or nutmeg with the cinnamon for a deeper festive flavor.
Why It’s Popular
This custard pie is a crowd favorite because it combines a creamy texture with comforting flavors that appeal to all ages. Its subtle sweetness and aromatic spices make it perfect for any holiday gathering. Moreover, the pie looks elegant on the table, giving an impression of effort and sophistication without complicated techniques.
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Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe – Festive & Delicious
This Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is the perfect festive dessert for Christmas Eve. Its silky custard, infused with warm cinnamon and aromatic vanilla, creates a comforting and elegant centerpiece for your holiday table. Easy to prepare and customizable, this pie is designed to delight both family and guests.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pre-baked pie crust
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- A pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, cinnamon dusting, or caramel drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pre-baked pie crust on a baking sheet.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk thoroughly for even distribution.
- Beat Eggs: In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Gradually add the dry mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Heat Milk: Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Avoid boiling. Slowly add it to the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in vanilla extract gently to enhance flavor without overpowering the custard.
- Pour into Crust: Pour the custard carefully into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes. The edges should be firm, and the center slightly wobbly.
- Cool: Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Optional Toppings: Just before serving, add whipped cream, a cinnamon dusting, or a light caramel drizzle.
Notes
For added flavor, sprinkle a tiny pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice into the custard.
Ensure slow tempering of eggs with warm milk to avoid curdling.
This pie pairs beautifully with fresh fruits or a light sauce for extra presentation appeal.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
FAQs
1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, this custard pie can be prepared a day in advance. Bake it, allow it to cool, then refrigerate. Chilling overnight enhances the flavors and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
2. Can I use a different type of milk?
Absolutely. While whole milk provides the creamiest texture, you can substitute almond, oat, or soy milk. Keep in mind that the flavor and richness may vary slightly.
3. How do I know when the custard is done?
The edges of the custard should be set and firm, while the center remains slightly wobbly. It will continue to firm up as it cools, giving the perfect creamy consistency.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free pre-baked pie crust, and ensure all other ingredients, like cornstarch, are certified gluten-free. The custard itself is naturally gluten-free.
5. How should I store leftovers?
Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3–4 days. Slice only when ready to serve to maintain the custard’s creamy texture.
6. Can I freeze this pie?
Freezing is not recommended, as custard pies may develop a watery texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh within a few days of baking.